Benefits of Dental Implants
Having a missing tooth can be not only an eyesore, but a risk to your oral health. In order to ensure the ongoing health of your teeth, gums and even your jawbone, it’s extremely important to replace a tooth that has been knocked out, has fallen out or has needed to be extracted by a dentist. One popular and effective option for the replacement of a missing tooth is a dental implant.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are teeth replacements that involve the placement of a titanium rod or frame in the jawbone to hold a false tooth or set of teeth in place. Implants provide excellent support, and are often the longest lasting replacement option.
Benefits of Implants
There are a variety of benefits to dental implants that make them a very popular choice for patients that are able to have them placed. Some of the benefits of implants include:
- Ongoing oral health and protection against gum disease and tooth decay.
- Preservation of the jawbone.
- A long-lasting solution for the replacement of a tooth or teeth.
- An aesthetically appealing replacement option that closely resembles the look of a natural tooth or row of teeth.
- The prevention of teeth migration; preventing crowding and the impacting of healthy teeth.
Implants help to provide the support, strength and protection that is needed after a tooth has been removed or has been knocked out. The level of support, and the longevity of this replacement option makes it an ideal choice for patients that want a long-term solution.
Why Implants Over Bridges
Another option for replacing a tooth or multiple teeth is a dental implant. While bridges have their benefits, they don’t offer the same level of protection and longevity that implants provide. Dental bridges will generally last a much shorter amount of time than implants—which means the patient will need to have them replaced more often. They also don’t provide the same level of bite strength that implants provide.
Finally, dental bridges don’t offer the same support that implants do to the jawbone. When a tooth is replaced with an implant, the implant fuses with the bone and helps to keep it strong. When a tooth or teeth are replaced with a bridge, the bone and gum tissue below the bridge begin to deteriorate over time. Dental implants, on the other hand, help to ensure the strength of the jawbone and gums.
Am I a Candidate?
While implants are an amazing option for patients that are able to have them placed, they are not an option for all patients. A major issue for some patients is the inability to afford the upfront costs of implants. While they are more cost-efficient in the long run, they do cost more upfront.
Implants also require strong bone tissue in the jaw for proper placement. Set an appointment with a cosmetic dentist so they can take a look at your jawbone to determine if you are a good candidate for a dental implant.
If you're curious about whether Dental Implants are right for you, learn more specifically about our dental implant process at Downtown Dental Excellence today. We're available and ready to answer any and all questions about dental implants and optimal oral health.
Just interested in learning more about dental implants? Read here for information on the difference between dental implants and bridges.